A very good OP. Lots of good insight and as always Will, I love that you are one of those who think and research before you say something.
Personally I support our troops, unconditionally. Whether I believe in what they are there for or not, whether I support the reason for them to be there or not, I support them by wishing them well, welcoming them home when they come, sending care packages periodically, and always taking time to talk to any of their families that are here, waiting for them to return.
While our opinions differ Will, I hope that you will agree with me that even if they don't like why they are there, or WE don't like why they are there, we should ALWAYS let them know that their Country loves them, and hopes for a safe return from duty.
You and I DO have a big difference in opinion when it comes to the military. Personally I know, from experience, that if members of the military do not follow orders, liked or not, people die. We may not agree with the orders given, but in MOST cases (remember, I said MOST cases not all), unless the order is illegal, and I don't mean in the MORALITY sence, but the LEGAL one, i.e. UCMJ laws, orders must be followed. Period. The members of our military CANNOT be afforded the luxury of picking and chosing what orderes to follow, and what ones not too. The moment you hesitate to decide if the order is the right one, someone may die, and USUALLY itwinds up being a friend, or worse, yourself. Now I am NOT saying that we should be ther, personally I have on MANY occasions expressed my dissatisfaction with how things were done. But we can't just let the military pick and choose. If you don't like the order, and you think there is something immoral about it, then afterwards, voice your opinion. I don't care what people say, I have seen morality orders questioned after the fact, and NOBODY was ever chastized for bringing it up. It happens all the time. Now if you know that an order is ILLEGAL in the UCMJ, then you CAN refuse the order, and even as an enlisted person, you can arrest the officer giving the order. Of course you better hope you can prove it, but thats another thread right there.
Whatever your viewpoint, we should ALWAYS let ALL of the troops know that we care. Otherwise, why should they fight for us EVER?
